Strolling Strings is an independent youth orchestra for string players ages 6–18 with at least one year of playing experience. We are based in Harleysville, and our students come from across Montgomery and Bucks Counties. Our programs include a Fall Semester, Spring Semester, and Summer Camp. We give young musicians opportunities to perform, learn, and make music together.
During the school year, we have two semesters. The Fall Semester runs from October-December, and the Spring Semester runs from February-April. We rehearse together once a week on Wednesdays at Clemmer Music Studio in Harleysville. Each semester includes the following events, although the locations may be different each year:
Bake Sale
Dine and Donate
Retirement Home Visit
Student Showcase
Some semesters also include a special event. In Spring 2026, we participated in the Bucks County St. Patrick’s Day Parade!
Over the Summer, we host a camp at Trinity Lutheran Church in Perkasie. At our week-long camp, students play as a full ensemble and in small groups, such as duets, trios, and quartets. They also learn folk tunes by ear. In addition to music, campers enjoy an art class and break time, which usually includes movement games. On the last day, camp includes a guest artist, a pizza party, and a concert.
Our goals are to...
provide performance experience for young musicians
connect students from different schools, make new friends
teach students how to prepare a program and play "on tour"
allow students to take ownership of their own music and ensemble
share the love of music with the community
Strolling Strings was founded by Valerie Smith-Gonzalez, a Perkasie-resident and violinist. She is the Director of Strolling Strings and is known by the students as "Miss Val". Valerie has taken great inspiration from her previous work with Got Strings Youth Orchestra, SU Strings, and her own high school's after-school orchestra. She takes great pride in sharing music with students, and teaching students to share their music with others. Valerie has been teaching privately since 2016 and currently works as an Orchestra Director at Perkiomen Valley School District. She received her Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Susquehanna University and her Master's degree in Music Education from West Chester University.
Ricardo Smith-Gonzalez is the photographer for Strolling Strings. He is a Sellersville resident with an Associate's degree in film and cinema from Bucks County Community College. Ricardo shares a passion of music like his sister, Valerie, but in a different media. In high school, Ricardo would edit the trailers for the schools musicals and worked on minor projects in college. He currently is striving to travel and share his experiences through his photos.